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Marlins to play Zephyrs in New Orleans on March 30

Marlins to play Zephyrs in New Orleans on March 30

Miami Marlins Giancarlo Stanton is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of their baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

For the first time in 14 years, a Major League Baseball team is coming to New Orleans.

The New Orleans Zephyrs will host their parent club, the Miami Marlins, in an exhibition game at Zephyr

Field on Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. The Zephyrs and Marlins are entering their fifth season as player development partners after extending their agreement last August.

"We are excited to be a part of bringing a Major League Baseball team back to New Orleans," said

Zephyrs General Manager Mike Schline. "This is something we have wanted to do for some time now, and we appreciate everything the Marlins have done to make this happen."

"This will be a wonderful event to showcase the young talent that has come through Zephyr Field in recent years, and to get people energized about the 2013 season."

"The Miami Marlins are looking forward to bringing our major league team to New Orleans to play the Zephyrs," said Brian Chattin, Marlins Director of Player Development. "With so many former Zephyrs on our major league club, it should be an exciting and memorable game for both our players and Zephyrs fans alike."

An "early bird" ticket offer of $14 for lower reserved seats or $12 for upper reserved seats will be available when tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, January 3. Groups of 50 or more can receive discounted admission of $2 off per ticket for upper and lower reserved seats, and hospitality areas will be available for rental.

The Marlins will be guided by first-year manager Mike Redmond, and feature slugging All-Star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who finished second in the National League with 37 home runs in 2012, as well as a host of recent Zephyrs such as Logan Morrison, Bryan Petersen, Donovan Solano and Wade LeBlanc.

The Marlins' visit will mark the first by a Major League club to the Crescent City since the Houston Astros played an exhibition contest at Zephyr Field on April 4, 1999.

Following the exhibition, the Zephyrs will travel to Nashville to open the 2013 season, before returning to Zephyr Field for the home opener against the Round Rock Express on Friday, April 12.

For more information, contact the New Orleans Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.